Snagging the Unicorn: The Lotus Esprit with F1 Technology You Can Actually Own
Imagine owning a vehicle so rare, so steeped in motorsport legend, that its very existence turns heads and ignites imaginations. Now, imagine this vehicle is not tucked away in some exclusive museum or locked within a private collection, but is actually available for purchase. This is not a fantasy; this is the reality of the singular active suspension Lotus Esprit—a marvel of engineering that intertwines the soul of Formula 1 with the allure of a classic sports car.
The tale begins in the U.K., where a prototype Lotus Esprit, initially built as a pre-production Essex Turbo in 1980, stands as a testament to automotive ambition and innovation. This wasn't just any production line Esprit. After its stint as a developmental mule for the DMC-12, thanks to a shared chassis with the DeLorean, it transformed under the aegis of Lotus Engineering. An experimental active suspension system, inspired by nothing less than the pinnacle of motorsport, Formula 1, found its home within its framework. It was a revolutionary leap, promising to redefine what a road car could achieve on the track and in the corners.
John Miles, writing for Top Gear, encapsulated the driving experience: akin to that of a normally sprung car, yet absent any roll in cornering or pitch under braking or acceleration. It was, in a word, groundbreaking.
Despite its innovative prowess, the car's journey took a darker turn. Presumed lost, left to languish behind a hangar at the Lotus factory, its fate seemingly sealed to be crushed and forgotten. Yet, fate had other plans. A former employee, struck by the car's potential historic significance and unable to bear the thought of its destruction, concealed it. It's a cinematic tale—and one with a happy ending. Lotus, realizing the error in judgment, chose not only to preserve but also to refurbish the car.
Fast forward to the present day, and the car emerges not just as a relic but as a living legend. Purchased from Lotus in 2016 by its current keeper, over £60,000 ($75,000) has been invested in rejuvenating its engine, gearbox, electrics, and brakes. Despite the active suspension no longer functioning, its mostly original jet black exterior and red leather interior speak volumes of its journey. Having graced the roads for a mere 6,492 miles over four decades, its scarcity and significance cannot be overstated.
Offered at auction, it anticipated fetching between £60,000-£90,000 ($75,000-$113,500). Yet, as fate would have it, no bid reached the threshold required to part ways with this once-in-a-lifetime find. Thus, it remains available, a hidden gem in the automotive world awaiting its next steward.
The question now is, who will step forward to claim this slice of motoring and Formula 1 history? Who will be the custodian of a vehicle that defies the odds, carrying the essence of racing glory within the frame of a car that can be driven on public roads? This is more than a car; it's a piece of history, a bridge between two worlds, and a testament to the unyielding spirit of innovation.
For those who dare to dream, who possess an unquenchable thirst for the extraordinary, the opportunity is knocking. The only active suspension Lotus Esprit ever made is up for grabs. Will you answer the call?